ACT96ME35PN Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ACT96ME35PN is a 55-position circular connector plug with male pins, manufactured by TE Connectivity Deutsch Connectors. This connector is designed for aerospace and military applications, featuring crimp termination, gold-plated mating contacts, and shielded construction compliant with MIL-DTL-38999 Series III specifications. The part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for ongoing system support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

ACT96ME35PN

TE Connectivity Deutsch ConnectorsIn Stock: 933ACT96ME35PN Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

D38999/26FE35PN

GlenairIn Stock: 833D38999/26FE35PN Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

D38999/26FE35PN

GlenairIn Stock: 833D38999/26FE35PN Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

D38999/26KE35PN

ConesysIn Stock: 1023D38999/26KE35PN Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

D38999/26KE35PN

ConesysIn Stock: 1023D38999/26KE35PN Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

D38999/26WE35PNLC

Amphenol Aerospace OperationsIn Stock: 1027D38999/26WE35PNLC Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ACT96ME35PN is determined by strict adherence to the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Connector type: Plug with male pins
• Position count: 55 positions
• Shell size designation: 17-35 (MIL size E)
• Termination method: Crimp
• Fastening mechanism: Threaded coupling
• Mounting configuration: Free Hanging (In-Line)
• Contact finish: Gold plating at 50.0µin (1.27µm) thickness
• Shielding: Shielded construction
• Series compliance: MIL-DTL-38999 Series III
• Operating temperature range: -65°C minimum to 200°C maximum (or compatible subset)

Substitute parts must satisfy all mandatory parameters to ensure mechanical fit, electrical performance, and system-level compatibility. Variations in shell material, shell finish, or primary material composition do not preclude substitution provided all electrical and dimensional specifications remain within specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

D38999/26KE35PN (Conesys)

This substitute part satisfies all mandatory compatibility parameters. The connector maintains 55-position configuration, MIL size E shell designation, crimp termination, threaded fastening, free-hanging in-line mounting, gold contact finish at specified thickness, shielded construction, and MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance. Operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 200°C) matches the original specification. The part is currently active in production with 992 units in stock. ROHS3 compliance provides regulatory advantage over the discontinued original part.

D38999/26WE35PNLC (Amphenol Aerospace Operations)

This substitute is a plug housing component designed for male pins, maintaining 55-position capacity, MIL size E shell, crimp contact termination (Contact Size 22D), threaded coupling, free-hanging in-line mounting, and shielded construction. MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance is confirmed. Operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 175°C) is narrower than the original specification by 25°C at the upper limit. The part is active with 978 units available. This option is suitable for applications not requiring the full 200°C upper temperature capability.

D38999/26FE35PN (Glenair)

This substitute part is listed as active with 791 units in inventory. However, critical dimensional and electrical parameters including shell size designation, termination method, fastening type, mounting configuration, contact finish specifications, and operating temperature range are not provided in available documentation. Selection of this part requires verification of specification alignment with the original ACT96ME35PN through direct manufacturer documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can D38999/26KE35PN be used as a direct replacement for ACT96ME35PN?

A: Yes. The D38999/26KE35PN maintains all mandatory compatibility parameters: 55-position configuration, MIL size E shell, crimp termination, threaded fastening, free-hanging in-line mounting, gold contact finish at 50.0µin thickness, shielded construction, and MIL-DTL-38999 Series III compliance. Operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 200°C) is identical. The part is currently in active production.

Q: What is the difference between D38999/26WE35PNLC and the original ACT96ME35PN?

A: The D38999/26WE35PNLC is a plug housing component (not a complete plug assembly) designed to accept male pins. It maintains the same 55-position capacity, MIL size E shell, crimp contact termination, threaded coupling, free-hanging in-line mounting, and shielded construction. The operating temperature range is -65°C ~ 175°C, which is 25°C lower at the upper limit than the original specification of -65°C ~ 200°C. This part is suitable for applications operating within the reduced temperature range.

Q: Why is the operating temperature range important for substitution?

A: Operating temperature range defines the thermal environment in which the connector maintains electrical and mechanical performance. The original ACT96ME35PN operates from -65°C to 200°C. Substitute parts must either match this range or operate within a compatible subset. D38999/26KE35PN matches the full range. D38999/26WE35PNLC operates to 175°C maximum, limiting its use to applications not requiring the full 200°C capability.

Q: What does "MIL size E" mean in the context of these connectors?

A: MIL size E is a standardized shell size designation defined in MIL-DTL-38999 specifications. It refers to the physical dimensions of the connector shell and insert interface. All substitute parts listed maintain MIL size E designation, ensuring mechanical compatibility with mating receptacles and system installations designed for the original ACT96ME35PN.

Q: Are there differences in shell material between the original and substitute parts?

A: Yes. The ACT96ME35PN features a composite shell with nickel finish. D38999/26KE35PN uses stainless steel with passivated finish. D38999/26WE35PNLC uses aluminum with cadmium finish. These material variations do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility provided all dimensional and performance specifications remain within tolerance. Material selection may be driven by specific application requirements such as weight, corrosion resistance, or thermal conductivity.

Q: What is the significance of "Crimp" termination?

A: Crimp termination indicates that individual contacts are attached to cable conductors using a mechanical crimping process rather than soldering or other methods. All listed substitute parts use crimp termination, ensuring compatibility with existing cable assemblies and installation procedures designed for the original ACT96ME35PN.

Q: Does RoHS compliance affect substitution decisions?

A: RoHS compliance status reflects regulatory requirements for hazardous substance restrictions. The original ACT96ME35PN is RoHS non-compliant. D38999/26KE35PN is ROHS3 compliant, providing regulatory advantage for new designs or systems subject to RoHS requirements. D38999/26WE35PNLC is RoHS non-compliant, matching the original status. Compliance status does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility but may influence procurement decisions based on regulatory environment.

Q: What does "Shielded" construction provide?

A: Shielded construction includes electromagnetic shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) in signal transmission. All listed substitute parts maintain shielded construction, preserving EMI/RFI performance characteristics of the original ACT96ME35PN.

Q: Why is inventory availability listed for each part?

A: Inventory availability indicates current stock levels at the time of documentation. ACT96ME35PN has 894 units available despite being discontinued at DiGi Electronics. All substitute parts are currently in active production with comparable inventory levels (791-992 units), ensuring procurement feasibility for system support and new installations.